Some of the activities today include free gift wrapping stations, free hot chocolate, wassail, and coffee. There will be roasted nuts and s'mores at the fire pit near the gazebo. Paducah Life will host Christmas story-time from noon until 5 pm at Courtyard East Antiques and Books. Toys for Tots will be set up at 217 Broadway to collect toy donations. The Knights of Columbus annual Christmas tree sale also is underway today from 9 am until 8 pm at the Farmers’ Market pavilion, North 2nd and Monroe Streets. Holiday cannoli will be available beginning at noon at Italian Grill on Broadway. Project Hope will have puppies available for adoption at 133 Market Square. The Carson Center is holding a meet-and-greet event from 11 am until 2 pm for kids to meet characters including Elsa and Olaf from the movie, Frozen.
The Yeiser Art Center (YAC) also hosts it's third annual Holiday Home & Gallery Tours today from 10 am until 4 pm. Stop by the gallery to get tickets. It's a fundraiser to support YAC.
Sponsors for this year’s event are Paducah Bank and Paducah Economic Development. Partners include Paducah Tilghman High School, Paducah Middle School, Graves County High School, local scouting troops, Daughters of the American Revolution, Paducah Youth Symphony and the Children’s Choir, and many talented local vocalists.
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to the need for small business owners to have more demand for their products and services. Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small independently-owned businesses that help boost local economies across the country. According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 23 million small businesses in the United States.
Downtown Development Specialist/Paducah Main Street Director Melinda Winchester says, “Small Business Saturday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. This event keeps dollars in the community and creates a thriving downtown. Local small businesses look forward to helping customers find perfect holiday gifts. Plus, many of the businesses offer special discounts, activities, and snacks.”
Winchester adds, “This is our second year of hosting Dickens of a Christmas, and I believe it will be bigger than last year. The community support has been tremendous. It is a perfect way to wrap up your Thanksgiving holiday and kick off your Christmas shopping. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance to downtown by carriage from the Grand Lodge to the gazebo at 10 am and will hear Christmas wishes until 5 pm.”
